now california's republican leadership could be stuck on the sidelines. cbs 5 political reporter grace lee explains. >> reporter: dana, the last supermajority was held by the republicans and that was back in 1933. but clearly, times have changed and our political experts are saying their low numbers make them inconsequential. the senate president pointed out that each republican senator still represents about a million californians so putting pr aside, though, the reality is this supermajority is really a gift for the senate president. >> power remains when it's used wisely. and we don't want to overplay our hand. but on the other hand, we don't want to miss the opportunity. >> reporter: the senate president admits the supermajority is also a rare chance for california democrats to be more efficient and effective. political expert ethan rarick says technically the supermajority gives them political clout. >> you need two-thirds to do certain special things. under california law you need a two-thirds majority to raise taxes 2/3 majority to refer things to